Quebec has officially kickstarted its new immigration stream, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), by issuing its first invitations to apply for permanent selection on July 17, 2025.
This long-awaited draw, administered by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI), marked a major milestone for skilled workers in the province. The draw focused on individuals who are already living in Quebec, speak French, and work in high-demand occupations, especially those with Quebec educational credentials or local work experience. Home – Parisa Erfani
Who Was Invited?
Quebec targeted two distinct PSTQ streams in this round:
Stream 1: Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills
A total of 216 candidates received invitations under this stream. To qualify, candidates had to meet the following:
- Minimum score of 768 points
- Reside in Quebec
- Hold a diploma from a Quebec university, college, or vocational institution
- Vocational/college programs: Minimum 900 hours
- University programs: Minimum 30 credits
Additional eligibility included:
- Occupation in FEER category 0, 1, or 2
- At least 12 months of relevant work experience in the past 5 years
- Not intending to work in a regulated profession
- French proficiency:
- Level 7+ (oral), Level 5+ (written) on the Échelle québécoise
- Spouse (if applicable): Level 4+ (oral)
Stream 4: Exceptional Talent
This stream, designed for outstanding individuals, saw 22 invitations issued.
To qualify, candidates needed to:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD)
- Possess either:
- A positive opinion from a Quebec ministry partner in a targeted field, or
- A recognized exceptional achievement (as listed by MIFI)
- Have at least 3 years of relevant experience in the past 5 years
About the PSTQ
The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which replaced the former Regular Skilled Worker Program in 2024, had been paused until now. The July 17 draw marked its first-ever round of invitations.
The PSTQ is a points-based system, requiring candidates to:
- Be 18 or older
- Intend to work for a business they do not control
- Avoid employment in ineligible industries
- Be able to perform the intended job
- Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract
- Obtain the Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Quebec Values
- Meet any obligations from previous Quebec scholarships
To be considered, applicants must submit or update their Declaration of Interest through the Arrima portal. Only those with high-ranking scores and who meet the program’s specific criteria are invited to apply.
What This Means for Quebec Immigration
This draw is a strong signal of Quebec’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled, French-speaking professionals who are already contributing to the province’s economy. With multiple streams focused on local experience, advanced education, and exceptional talent, the PSTQ offers a compelling route to permanent residence in Quebec.
If you’re living in Quebec and meet the PSTQ criteria, now is the time to update your Arrima profile and prepare for upcoming draws.
Need help assessing your eligibility or preparing your PSTQ application?
Contact us to schedule a consultation and maximize your chances in Quebec’s skilled worker program.
Quebec issues first invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program | CIC News
